9.2.2.2: Format for the Transition Plan

Each service agency or primary care provider should have a format and timeline for the process of developing a transition plan for children with special health care needs to be followed when each child leaves the facility. The plan should include the following components:

1. Review and final preparation of the child’s records;
2. A child and family needs assessment;
3. Identification of potential child care, educational, or programmatic arrangements;
4. Summary of any special health care needs and successful strategies that were employed in child care.

RATIONALE

Many factors contribute to the success or failure of a transition. These concerns can be monitored effectively when a written plan is developed and followed to ensure that all steps in a transition are included and are undertaken in a timely, responsive manner (1).

COMMENTS

Though the child care provider can and should offer support in this process, child care is a free-market system where the parent/guardian is the consumer and decision-maker.

It is best if the process of planning begins at least nine months prior to the child turning three and an anticipated transition, since finding the proper facility for a child can be a complex and time consuming process in some communities. Each state is required to develop transition guidelines that implement the federal guidelines in respect to timelines, procedural due process expectations, and the required representation at the various meetings. Each agency can adapt the format to its own needs. However, consistent formats for planning and information exchange, requiring written parental/guardian consent, would be useful to both caregivers/teachers and families in both localities when children with special health care needs are involved. The use of outside consultants for small and large family child care homes is especially important in meeting this type of standard.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

9.2.2.1 Planning for Child’s Transition to New Services

REFERENCES

1. Harbin, G., B. Rous, N. Peeler, J. Schuster, K. McCormick. 2007. Research brief: Desired family outcomes of the early childhood transition process. http://community.fpg.unc.edu/connect/Desired-Family-Outcomes-of-the-Early-Childhood-Transition-Process-1.pdf.